Dear Career Coach:
I've owned a 10-employee computer-consulting service for almost eight years and spent the previous seven years as a programmer for a small software company. The economic downturn may force me out of business, and I'm worried about having only these two jobs on my resume. I believe I'm well-suited to a CTO position thanks to my strong understanding of technology-related business needs. What do you think?
On-Edge Entrepreneur
Dear Edge,
Your resume may be short, but it displays some qualities, including initiative and stick-to-it-iveness, that many employers will find attractive. CTO might be a reach, but you could sell yourself as an IS manager or director, especially at a small company. Your knowledge of marketing, budgeting, financing and customer service will serve you well.
Dan Fitch, systems network analyst for Eagle County government and president of the Denver chapter of the Network Professional Association, was in your shoes several years ago and says his management skills were key. He suggests you highlight how successful your business has been and what you've learned, adding that, in the current economy, closing shop is not an automatic negative. In fact, the lessons you've learned could be turned into a very strong positive. Just be sure that if you do close, you close well. Don't lock the doors on Friday and move out of town over the weekend! You'll show your professionalism and character by how you close the business.
Dear Career Coach:
I am a recently laid-off 27-year-old network engineer interested in moving to the business side of e-commerce, ideally at an international company. I hold a B.S. in electrical and computer engineering. What skills should I develop before I attempt to make the switch?
Going Global
Dear Global,
Sounds like a master's degree in international business is a must for you. And you may quality for school loans because you're out of work (see Game Plan below). Some programs even offer credit for previous education and life experience, bringing the goal closer and more affordable.
Also, network with as many people as possible, and not just industry peers, suggests Chuck Barrett, a recruiter with Quorum Search & Selection. You never know--your barber's nephew could be in HR at a company you'd like to work for. You can find out about free or low-cost local networking events at www.rileyguide.com/support.html. Also, read as much about the international business community as you can. You'll find a variety of info at www.brint.com/international.htm.
Send your questions to careercoach@nwc.com
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Game Plan
It's been said that "if you think education is expensive, try ignorance." True, but for the unemployed, training may seem financially out of reach. Luckily, many states offer educational opportunities for unemployed workers. To find out what you're eligible for, check out the federal-state CareerOneStop portal, or call (877) US-2JOBS. Find more training-related info at the Workforce Information Act site.
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